1) Oxidizing agents :-
An oxidizing agent is a compound or element that participates in a redox (oxidation-reduction) reaction and accepts electrons from a different species.
The element which undergoes reduction (gets reduced) is called an oxidizing agent.
For example: 2Mg+O2→2MgO
In the given reaction, O2 is reduced by losing oxygen atoms.
2) Reducing agents :-
A substance which loses electrons to other substances in a redox reaction and gets oxidised to a higher valency state is called a reducing agent.
For example, zinc is a reducing agent. When it reacts with an oxidizing agent, it gives up two electrons, changing its oxidation state from 0 to +2. All chemical elements have an oxidation state of 0.
